Can dermal fillers injected in the cheeks cause ongoing upper eyelid swelling/ oedema? How long can it last?

Question

I am a 42 year old caucasian woman. I began having dermal fillers in my cheeks about three years ago. Over this time , the shape of my eyes has changed dramatically due to the swelling of my upper eyelids, especially in my right eye. It is possible this is an ongoing/ delayed reaction to the dermal fillers? Will it resolve?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Lisa Kotas, MD · Answer

Although rare, it is possible for cheek filler to cause upper eyelid edema.  While fillers can cause local edema (in the area where they are injected) by drawing in water, likely in your case they are causing edema by interfering with lymphatic drainage of the eyelid.  This is more likely if the filler is placed closer to the eye (higher on the cheek bone) or if larger amounts of filler are used.  If you like the effect of the filler, you could consider lymphatic massage for management.  If that is ineffective or your dislike of the edema is greater than your appreciation of the filler appearance you could consider dissolution of the filler.  Lastly,we lose significant amounts of collagen yearly after age 18 and it could be that any sagging that you see in your eyelids is the result of aging.  Hope this information is help or at least prompts meaningful conversations with your provider.  Best of luck.

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is possible that filler was injected behind the lid curtain that encloses the orbital fat and contents like your eyeball. This will create long term swelling of not just the lower eyelid which is pleasing but also the upper and lateral eyelids, which is not. There is no treatment specifically to correct this. However, judicious injection can prevent it from recurrence. Good luck.

Can dermal fillers injected in the cheeks cause ongoing upper eyelid swelling/ oedema? How long can it last?

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